As a designer, I’ve been asked for Meg Ryan's "You’ve Got Mail" lace curtains, Diane Lane's "Under the Tuscan Sun" dining table and Diane Keaton's "Something’s Gotta Give" Hamptons beach house. It's obvious we relate to the movies. We laugh, we cry and we see most of life's dilemmas solved in 120 minutes or less. No wonder we're charmed by movie sets. What better scenery for our own personal journey? We can dream of living happily ever after in that "Down With Love" mechanical sofa that turns into a bed.

Diane Keaton's character Erica from "Something’s Gotta Give" would be right at home on this Tulane Settee S882-ST from Kravet’s Smartline collection. Pale upholstery with just a hint of blue trim is a perfect way to create a Hamptons beach house effect.

The first film to affect style dramatically during my design career was the first "Home Alone" movie, which exposed audiences to the entire home's traditional interior. This was always a popular style. Then, almost overnight, it was jewel tones and Queen Anne legs for everyone! Often, designers of movie sets bring cutting-edge furnishings to the masses. The exposure reinforces a budding trend and can help it really take hold. It's no coincidence the craze for Tuscan interiors corresponds with the popularity of “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Even in the knock-down, drag-out fight scene in "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," we were treated to the most sophisticated silk upholstery in the background. Yes, we’re all familiar with today's modern furniture, but here we saw it combined beautifully in a traditional, very livable home (at least until it was blown up!).

Drexel Heritage's "Under the Tuscan Sun" line was inspired by author Francis Mayes' book and the movie of the same name. The Tavola table 111-669 provides the perfect spot for family and friends to gather and celebrate life.

Already I am seeing an increased interest in South Beach style, beautifully illustrated by the modern, white oceanfront home in "Miami Vice." And although the two "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies are pure fantasy, they clearly play into the 2007 trend forecast for furniture, which sees the Spanish influence becoming more desirable.

Fremarc's Barcelona Collection neatly captures the Spanish influence associated with "Pirates of the Caribbean." The 14301 chair would be at home in your personal captain's quarters.



The "Miami Vice" movie is exposing South Beach style to the entire country. The My Pod 490 chair from Carter is a fashion-forward statement that Paris Hilton — yes, that Paris Hilton! — selected for her new Florida nightclub.

Combine our admiration of chic movie interiors and the psychological connections we all have with our homes, and it's the perfect opportunity for retailers and designers to show consumers how furniture can enhance their personal style. Setting the stage in your showroom with props, ticket stubs and movie posters will help shoppers identify and relate to the most timely movie fashions.

Imagine using the latest blockbuster movie to predict — and profit from — the next design and furniture trend! While you contemplate that possibility, it's time for me to pull out the newspaper’s movie section, put my feet up on my "Must Love Dogs" ottoman and check out the new releases!